A little R&R

If you’re a travel nurse, you will likely slip a little vacation time in this summer, maybe even in another country. But how prepared are you for your own medical emergency?   Dr. Robert Smith, UnitedHealthcare of the Midwest medical director says,  “Being prepared can help you respond more quickly and accurately, and save you money on unnecessary medical expenses.”
Dr. Smith offers these tips for travelers:
•    be sure to carry your insurance identification card and a claim form;
•    keep prescription drugs in their original containers in a carry-on bag and be sure they are clearly labeled;
•    get a letter from your physician describing medical conditions and any prescriptions you may be taking, or print a copy of your personal health record;
•    be aware of any health warnings for the country you are planning to visit – current medical alerts can be found on the Center for Disease Control’s Web site;•    learn words for doctor, emergency and hospital in the native language of the country you plan to visit;
•    ensure that you, and your children if they are traveling with you, are current with routine vaccinations; some diseases that are rare in the United States are common in other parts of the world;
•    understand your medical insurance coverage while outside the U.S.; some insurers, such as UnitedHealthcare, offer coverage for emergency care when traveling overseas;
•    travelers with higher medical risks, such as diabetics, severe asthmatics and pregnant women, should consult their physicians before traveling to other countries;
•    contact the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) at (716) 754-4883 or the nearest U.S. embassy to locate medical facilities and English-speaking doctors in the areas where you are traveling.

The basics of traveling

Have you considered a life as a Traveling Healthcare Professional? Before you jump in with both feet, determine whether traveling will satisfy your personal and professional ambitions, as well as your lifestyle. Healthcare Traveler has compiled an exciting and thought-provoking Resource Guide to provide you insight and perspective from industry experts and mobile professionals.

 

From Obtaining Additional Licensure to The Ins and Outs of Having a Roommate these titles will help you decide if the life as a Traveling Healthcare Professional is right for you.

 

* Healthcare Traveler’s – Starter’s Kit: The Basics of Traveling

Click here to order or download sample pages

Severe seasonal flu

While Swine Flu is dominating the news cycles these days, it is important to note the annual death rate from simple seasonal flu. According to an article on CNN’s web site, since January, more than 13,000 people have died of complications from seasonal flu. They pulled that data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s weekly report on the causes of death in the nation. No fewer than 800 flu-related deaths were reported in any week between January 1 and April 18, the most recent week for which figures were available. The report looks at deaths in the 122 largest cities in the United States. Worldwide, the annual death toll from the flu is estimated to be between 250,000 and 500,000. The threat of Swine Flu is serious. The devastating impact of seasonal flu cannot be overstated.

Swine Flu Tracker

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) activated its Emergency Operations Center to augment the CDC ongoing investigation of human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1). As of Monday, April 27th, 2009, 40 human cases of this novel virus infection have been identified in the United States. CDC is working very closely with officials in states where human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) have been identified, as well as with health officials in Mexico, Canada and the World Health Organization. This includes the deployment of CDC personnel to aid epidemiological efforts in California and Texas and to support Mexico’s Ministry of Health. More than 250 CDC professionals are working from the CDC EOC as part of the agency’s response to this emerging health threat. Yesterday the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, declared a public health emergency in the United States, allowing federal funds to be released to support the public health response. Advanstar Communication’s Modern Medicine website now includes a Swine Flu tracker, pinpointing where cases of H1N1 have been found.

Healthcare Traveler names new editor

Mark S. Kuhar was recently named editor-in-chief of Healthcare Traveler and LocumLife magazines. He is a 1980 graduate of Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, with a degree in English and Creative Writing. In his 20-year career as a journalist, he has worked on publications in a wide variety of industries, including retail, construction materials, recycling, occupational health and safety, and healthcare. He has worked for major B2B Publishing companies Advanstar Communications, Penton Media and Questex Media. He has also served as editor of Balanced Living, a community magazine focused on holistic health and wellness. He replaces Patty Lederman, who has retired after 17 years with the magazine.

And the winners of June’s CD giveaway are…

A great, big thank you to everyone who responded to the giveaway offer for “Five Live,” a live performance CD by the legendary Squeeze, which was recorded during the band’s 2007 U.S. tour. The ten, lucky recipients are:

Michelle Albanese
A. Victoria Anderson
Sherry Baugh
Maritess Dela Cruz
Patti Mataxen
R. Chris Prentiss
Maureen Ruzek
Kay Thornton
CJ Wells
Pam Wheadon

If you go to one of Squeeze’s concerts this summer, we’d love to hear about your experience. And if you have tickets to the show at Radio City Music Hall in New York City and/or the gig at Long Island’s Brookhaven Amphitheater, maybe I’ll see you there. ☺ (For information on locations and dates, visit Squeeze’s official website.)

New Joint Commission standard to deal with disruptive behavior in the hospital setting

Several years ago, I accepted a temporary, short-term position that was similar in length to a travel assignment. A few days into the commitment, I realized I was working for a bully. And because of his unpredictable, unsettling demeanor, it was impossible to gauge the man’s reactions—even those to seemingly innocuous requests or reports.

If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, you know all too well that inappropriate conduct from leaders and/or peers sets the tone for a tense work environment. Simply put, it is something that should not have to be tolerated. Fortunately, the Joint Commission realizes the importance of addressing disruptive behaviors in the workplace, which can affect everything from staff morale, to turnover, to the delivery of quality patient care.

In January 2009, the organization will implement a standard that seeks to curb detrimental conduct, like bullying and lateral violence. Through the new Joint Commission principle, hospitals will be required to have a code of conduct that defines both acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. What’s more, leaders will be expected to create and implement a process for managing disruptive and inappropriate behaviors, and establish a team approach among all levels of staff. To review all of the pre-publication standards of the 2009 Leadership Chapter Hospital Program, click here.

Free-for-all events enhance travel experiences

One of the many great things about being a healthcare traveler: You get to experience new communities like a local—enjoying everything from regional cuisine to unique landmarks—for the duration of your assignment. And in the summertime, you can also enjoy a number of outdoor concerts and other events, free of charge, at cities throughout the country.

If you’re fulfilling a contract in or near the Big Apple, for instance, check out the “Today” show’s Summer Concert Series, which take place at 49th Street and Rockefeller Plaza. While you’ll need to arrive by 7:00 a.m. for any of the gigs (see http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3041478/ for dates and artists), you get to enjoy performances by popular musicians without spending a single cent. Coldplay is slated to take to the stage this Friday, June 27, and upcoming shows include performances by Rascal Flatts, Natasha Bedingfield, and Celine Dion.

On assignment at a facility in or close to the Windy City? You can see a free “theatrical spectacle” (think “Cirque du Soleil”) at Navy Pier’s Gateway Park on Friday and Saturday, July 11 and 12. The American premiere of Compagnie Transe Express’ production of “Maudits Sonnants” is presented as part of Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s World Stage Series. The hour-long aerial performance is set to start at roughly 9:00 p.m. on both nights and will feature a musical chandelier brought to life by performers who ring bells, beat drums, and swing on trapezes. A fireworks display over Lake Michigan concludes the event.

If you’re honoring a 13-week commitment in Flagstaff, Arizona, you should know that the city’s Downtown Business Alliance is presenting a free flick every Friday night through September 12 at Heritage Square. “Movies on the Square” starts at 6:00 p.m., and each film is preceded by live entertainment. This Friday, you can see a Middle Eastern-style dance performance by the Gypsy Chicks before watching “The Bee Movie” under the stars atop your own blanket or lawn chair. Additional upcoming movies include “The Last Mimzy,” “October Sky,” “Evan Almighty,” “Nacho Libre,” and “Lady and the Tramp.”

To find out about no-cost events in and around your assignment location, check bulletin boards at supermarkets and the local library, ask permanent staff for recommendations, and contact the area Chamber of Commerce or Convention and Visitors Bureau. And if you’d like to share information about freebies in your contract locale with fellow travelers, please leave a comment with the particulars.

Welcome to Healthcare Traveler’s Blog

Welcome to the blog for Healthcare Traveler, the industry’s most widely read and favorite resource dedicated to traveling nurses, therapists, and technologists, and those interested in joining this community.

Dedicated to the mobile lifestyle, Healthcare Traveler engages and encourages nursing and allied healthcare professionals through the perspectives of industry experts and travelers alike. Our readers learn about mastering life on the road, enhancing their professional development, and connecting with staffing companies and hospitals for career opportunities.

We, the editors, look forward to sharing information about issues important to the industry and getting your perspectives.

Bloggers:
Mark S. Kuhar
Editor-in-Chief
mkuhar@advanstar.com

Michael Peltier
Managing Editor
mpeltier@advanstar.com

Sarah Thuerk
Associate Editor
sthuerk@advanstar.com